Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to chair a high-level Azimio Coalition Council meeting on Monday as the opposition alliance intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election, with discussions expected to focus on coalition strategy and the process of identifying a presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto.
The meeting comes at a pivotal moment for the coalition, which has been reorganising its leadership and political strategy following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. While coalition leaders are expected to deliberate on the qualities and criteria of a potential flag bearer, Azimio has not formally endorsed any candidate for the 2027 presidential race.
According to coalition officials, the meeting is expected to review the alliance’s organisational structure, strengthen coordination among member parties and chart a common political direction ahead of the election.
Uhuru, who chairs the Azimio Coalition Council, has continued to play a central role in the alliance’s affairs despite retiring from elective politics. His role has primarily involved overseeing coalition governance and facilitating consultations among affiliate parties.
The expected discussions follow a series of leadership changes within the coalition earlier this year. Kalonzo Musyoka was named the coalition’s party leader following internal restructuring, while Uhuru retained his position as chairperson of the coalition council. The changes were subsequently communicated to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
Speaking after the leadership changes were announced, Kalonzo said the coalition remained focused on presenting a united political front ahead of the next General Election.
“Our objective is to strengthen the coalition and provide Kenyans with a credible alternative through unity and consultation,” Kalonzo said during the coalition’s leadership announcement.
Although several opposition figures have been mentioned in political discussions as possible presidential contenders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, coalition leaders have consistently maintained that no official decision has been made.
Political analysts say selecting a single presidential candidate is likely to be one of the coalition’s most consequential decisions, given the need to avoid splitting opposition support. However, coalition officials have repeatedly indicated that consultations among member parties will precede any formal endorsement.
The meeting is also expected to address broader political issues, including coalition cohesion, grassroots mobilisation and preparations for future political activities as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 campaign period.
The renewed consultations come as Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve, with both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and opposition parties beginning to lay the groundwork for the next election cycle, even though the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has not yet opened the official election calendar.
By the close of the meeting, coalition leaders are expected to issue a communiqué outlining the resolutions reached. However, there has been no indication from Azimio that a presidential flag bearer will be announced immediately, with officials maintaining that the selection process will be guided by consultations and consensus among member parties.